JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A local after-school program held their annual fundraiser but Operation Shoestring wasn’t just raising money.

They were also bringing people together to talk about issues that affect children in the community.

This year, panelists talked about how to change the state’s future for the better.

The goal of the fundraiser is to create a safe space for these conversations.

Operation Shoestring serves families in Jackson.

WJTV spoke to one woman about how important the program has been to her family.

“I was eager to let people and sponsors know how good Operation Shoestring is, and what an asset it is to our community and how big of a difference after school makes,” said Marqueta Perkins-Washington, an Operation Shoestring parent.

Washington also says that she hopes people realize that after school helps children learn social skills and many parents need a place to send kids after school.